Justice News

Leader of International Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Federal Prison

PHOENIX – Yesterday, Jason Todd Mogler, 49, formerly of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 24 years and 4 months in prison. Mogler had previously pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering stemming from his role as one of the leaders in an $18 million investment fraud affecting 225 victims.

“Mogler’s crimes were particularly heinous, and deserving of a lengthy prison sentence, because he stole the life savings of everyday citizens, many of whom were near the end of their earning years,” stated Elizabeth A. Strange, First Assistant United States Attorney. “Our district will continue to work closely with the FBI to catch and prosecute financial predators like Mogler.”

"This sentence sends a strong message to criminals committing financial crimes. A single scam can destroy a company, devastate families by wiping out their life savings, or cost investors millions of dollars," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael DeLeon. “The FBI would like to remind investors to be diligent and gather as much information as possible before making any investment. The FBI will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who break the law and violate public trust."

From 2006 to 2012, Mogler and several others solicited millions of dollars from victims for purported investment in a variety of projects and companies, including land development in Mexico, recycling companies in Las Vegas and Chicago, and distressed real estate ventures in Phoenix. Mogler and his co-conspirators promoted their fraudulent investment schemes in legitimate-appearing seminars, magazine articles, and radio broadcasts, and they issued private offering documents that gave the fraudulent investments the appearance of legitimacy.

In reality, the solicitations and offering documents were riddled with false statements about the education and experience of Mogler and his co-conspirators, the ownership of property to be used in the projects and to serve as collateral, the feasibility of the projects and guaranteed returns, and other important matters. Ultimately, Mogler and his co-conspirators used the investor funds not only to line their own pockets, but also to make Ponzi payments to certain investors and to create the façade of a legitimate business. Mogler was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims for losses they incurred.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Phoenix Division of the FBI. The prosecution was handled by Monica Klapper and Peter Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.